''Clematis'' 'Princess Diana' is a

hybrid Hybrid may refer to: Science * Hybrid (biology), an offspring resulting from cross-breeding ** Hybrid grape, grape varieties produced by cross-breeding two ''Vitis'' species ** Hybridity, the property of a hybrid plant which is a union of two diff ...

cultivar A cultivar is a kind of Horticulture, cultivated plant that people have selected for desired phenotypic trait, traits and which retains those traits when Plant propagation, propagated. Methods used to propagate cultivars include division, root a ...

of ''

Clematis ''Clematis'' is a genus of about 380 species within the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Their garden hybrids and cultivars have been popular among gardeners, beginning with ''Clematis'' 'Jackmanii', a garden staple since 1862; more cultivars ...

'', which was introduced in 1984. The cultivar was produced by British clematis breeder Barry Fretwell and named in honour of

Diana, Princess of Wales Diana, Princess of Wales (born Diana Frances Spencer; 1 July 1961 – 31 August 1997), was a member of the British royal family. She was the first wife of Charles III (then Prince of Wales) and mother of Princes William, ...

. The cultivar was created by hybridizing '' Clematis texensis'' with the cultivar ''Clematis'' 'Bees Jubilee'. The Royal Horticultural Society awarded this cultivar with a prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 2002.

Description

''Clematis'' 'Princess Diana' is a

deciduous In the fields of horticulture and botany, the term deciduous () means "falling off at maturity" and "tending to fall off", in reference to trees and shrubs that seasonally shed Leaf, leaves, usually in the autumn; to the shedding of petals, aft ...

climbing plant with a herbaceous habit. Stems will climb by twining their leaf petiole tendrils around surrounding objects. This cultivar can reach heights ranging from 250 – 400 cm tall when a suitable area to climb is available. Leaves are green and pinnately trifoliate. Plants will flower from early summer to autumn. Flowers are 6 cm long, tulip shaped and reddish-pink in colour. The flowers possess recurved petals and blooms contain cream and maroon stamens.

Pests and diseases

''Clematis'' 'Princess Diana' can be attacked by various species of aphid. Earwigs such as ''

Forficula auricularia ''Forficula auricularia'' is a species complex comprising the common earwig. It is also known as the European earwig. It is an omnivorous insect belonging to the family Forficulidae. The name ''earwig'' comes from the appearance of the hindwings ...

'' will also feed on the petals of the flowers. Caterpillars of the angle shades moth ('' Phlogophora meticulosa)'' and lesser yellow underwing moth ( Noctua comes) also feed on the leaves of the plant.

References

{{Diana, Princess of Wales, state=collapsed Clematis Ornamental plant cultivars